Ala Moana's MF Burger Shop quietly landed next to Jugo Life, serving double‑wagyu smashburgers and beef‑tallow fries from a tiny weekly pop‑up. Preorders and dates appear on Instagram.

Kooks Coffee rolled a second cart into Kakaʻako while keeping its UH Mānoa trailer, serving playful drinks like Nanner Bread, Ubae Watch and plant-based Rockers.

Istanbul Hawaii rolled out luxury spring dishes while Taco Rice opened a Kalākaua takeout window. Fancy French Cakes is taking online preorders for classic pastries.

Kapolei’s first Sonic Drive‑In has entered inspections. The $2.6M build could open early 2026 and bring Sonic’s carhop service and more than 100 jobs to West Oʻahu.

Pono Potions opened PEWA on Bethel Street — a Chinatown lounge where the company’s island syrups anchor cocktails, brunch and community events.

Assaggio, a Kailua mainstay since 1991, will close at the end of the year as its owners retire after 35 years.

Beastside Kitchen in Niu Valley has added a $10 early‑bird breakfast, happy hour and nightly karaoke, turning the neighborhood spot into an all‑day hangout.

La Birria opened a Pearl Kai storefront in Aiea, moving from its food‑truck roots to a permanent spot with birria tacos, ramen and curated party packs.

Kiahuna Sunrise Café opened in a restored plantation‑era manager’s house on Kiahuna Plantation, offering breakfast, coffee and garden‑front seating to guests and locals. Early reviews praise the setting while staff smooth service after a soft opening.

A tidy micro‑market has replaced the old Capitol snack counter: espresso, two self‑checkout kiosks and locally sourced bentos are now regulars in the basement. The shop is run through the state’s Business Enterprise Program for licensed blind vendors.

A Twin Fin Hotel counter in Waikīkī is reimagining shave ice with chef-made syrups and rotating monthly flavors, each priced at $10.

Alan Wong’s namesake restaurant has moved from private previews to a public opening at The Kahala, returning his signature Hawai‘i Regional dishes to Honolulu. Reservations are listed now.

Neale Asato of Asato Family Shop earned a spot among five finalists for the 2026 James Beard Award in Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. The nod makes him Hawaiʻi's only finalist this year.